When it comes to energy efficiency, I would say that most people would desire to improve in this area. One of the most energy-consuming items to evaluate is our heating and air conditioning system. There are ways to make your system more efficient, and in this post I’m going to share some tips with you that can reduce your energy bills and make your home or business more energy efficient!
Newer Heating and Air Units Are More Efficient
As we advance in learning and technology, our products and systems continue to advance as well. Just take our cell phones and automobiles for example (ok, some might not agree with the automobile statement!). But you get my point!
20 years ago a standard furnace was about 60% efficient. That means that 40% of the produced heat was lost during the heat delivery process. Today, a high efficiency furnace can be up to 98.5% efficient!
In previous years, the standard for the average heating and air unit was a SEER rating of 10. Today, the standard for the newer units being produced is a SEER rating of 14. That’s a big difference in efficiency!
“But, what is a SEER rating?” In short, a SEER rating is the efficiency at which air conditioners can produce cooling. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a ratio of the amount of cooling/heat produced (BTU) and is divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. So, the higher the SEER rating, the better (more efficient!).
The biggest improvement you can make in terms of energy efficiency is to upgrade your unit, especially if it is very old. There are numerous reasons for this option listed here: “Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?”
Now we will get into some simpler energy saving tips!
Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
Your air filter is vital to the proper efficiency and operating standards of your HVAC unit. If the filter gets dirty or clogged, it will reduce the efficiency of your unit and can lead to further problems. This causes your unit to work more than it has to which can lead to parts breaking down sooner than normal.
- Checking your filter monthly is advised, and replacing the filter every 3 months is the minimum time you should allow between replacing them.
Note: If you’d rather not change your air filter yourself, have your local HVAC Service Provider do it for you.
Have Your Unit Inspected and Serviced
It’s important to have your heating and air unit checked and serviced on a regular basis. Some call this a “tune up”. We call it preventative maintenance. This helps ensure your unit is operating properly and efficiently. During this service inspection the HVAC technician will:
- Check the air filter and replace if needed
- Check and service the Freon level
- Check the air duct flow rate
- Clean the unit condenser
- Inspect electrical circuits and wiring
All of these steps will help improve efficiency, along with reducing the likelihood of major ac repair and furnace repair costs down the road.
Improve Energy Efficiency with a Programmable Thermostat
Want to be an energy saver? As far as energy efficiency goes, a programmable thermostat is a big step in the right direction! This type of thermostat can be programmed to control when and at what temperature you want your heating and air unit running throughout the day (and night). You can save anywhere from 10%-20% on your energy bill by implementing the benefits of a programmable thermostat.
If your household is out of the house most of the day, then a programmable thermostat can raise the temperature during that time in the summer and reduce that temperature in the winter. Then, the thermostat will set itself to your preferred temperature just prior to your arrival. This will work the same for a business owner who’s employees are not working during the evening and early morning.
Want More Info?
I hope this information has helped you and given you some options to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system! The more efficient the more savings!
If you would like any more information concerning the options above feel free to give us a call at (731) 300-1030.
We have been serving the Jackson TN and surrounding areas in the heating and air conditioning business for over 30 years. At Cagle Service Heating and Air, your satisfaction is our goal.
We look forward to serving you!
